Southside Social Pagans
7521 US 31 S
Indianapolis, IN 46227
Phone: 317-491-7912 or 317-682-7788
Email: papoos74@yahoo.com
Location
The Southside Social pagans meet informally at an IHOP
(International House of Pancakes) restaurant. Rituals take place in
various peoples' homes. The group meets most Tuesdays for casual
conversation and an optional dinner between 5:30 and 6.
Institutional History
The Southside Social Pagans were formed by a group of four
pagans in the fall of 2007. The group previously met through
another similar community that had failed to thrive. They felt it
necessary to form a new community that would act as a support group
for solitaires, individuals who have chosen their own unique path.
Since the Pagan Pride festival (held each year in Broad Ripple
Park) in September, 2007, membership has quickly increased and is
now over 30. Since the founding members were all from the Southside
and there is a large pagan population in Bloomington, the decision
was made to establish meetings in that part of the city. In an
attempt to make the atmosphere casual and relaxing, IHOP was chosen
as the weekly meeting spot. The group also gets together for
rituals which take place in the homes of members.
Demographics
The Southside Social Pagans are a growing community, most
members of which reside on the Southside of Indianapolis and its
suburbs. The community is premised on the idea that one who joins
is or intends to become a pagan, but all follow different paths.
Members are predominantly Euro-Americans and for the most part they
represent a lower to middle-income, blue-collar segment of the
population. Because the group is so new it is hard to say how many
people consider themselves members but weekly attendance varies
from about 15 to 30.
Service Style
Weekly Tuesday night discussion meetings take place at IHOP off
of U.S. 31 South. Members meet in a back room and move the tables
to form a circle. The meeting is very casual and there is no set
agenda, mostly it is just people talking about life and religion
over coffee and possibly dinner. The overarching ideal that the
group strives for is respect and compassion, much like any other
support group. Many different paths are represented such as Druid,
Dragon, Elvin, and Native American. The group may discuss past
events or upcoming holidays. Although members follow different
paths they do celebrate pagan seasonal holidays together. At such
times, many members of the group meet in the home of a member or on
public property to celebrate ritual and share a meal together.
What to Expect
The biggest requirement of attendance at the Southside Social
Pagans meeting is that one should attend with an open mind.
Visitors are welcome but should call to let someone know that they
will be attending, just to make sure that the group will be meeting
that week. There is no need to dress up for these events as many
people come straight from work and are dressed very casually. One
should wear whatever makes one feel most comfortable. There is a
mix of men and women, mostly 20-60 years of age, many of whom have
known each other for a long period of time. Overall, expect to be
welcomed in a warm, inviting manner; members of the group are open
to visitors and enjoy discussing what they believe. Members simply
ask that you be respectful of beliefs that may differ from your
own, as all people follow somewhat distinct paths. It is also asked
that visitors not take pictures to respect members' privacy.